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About the book

Description

This book is a concise introduction to the common blood tests and concepts used in pathology. It is aimed for undergraduate students reading medicine, nursing and midwifery and subjects allied to health such as Biomedical Science. However, since the book uses “example boxes” to explain complex terms in lay language, it should also be accessible to patients and people with a non-clinical background but an interest in the subject. The book is written in an informal style and allows for signposted learning of a complex subject through the use of further reading boxes, making it a suitable revision guide.

Preface

This book is primarily aimed at undergraduate students reading medicine, nursing and midwifery and subjects allied to health. It will also be useful to professionals undergoing continuing professional development (CPD) or changing to an extended role who require a background covering physiology and pathology for haematology and biochemistry. Since the book uses “example boxes” to explain complex terms in lay language, it should also be accessible to patients and people with a non-clinical background but an interest in the subject. To facilitate this, each chapter has an introductory paragraph guiding the reader to the example boxes if needed and a summary section.

Chapter 1 examines how to interpret results, with the remaining broadly representing a section of the body or a disease type with chapter 9 as a summary. This should enable a read from cover to cover or equally as a reference with each chapter independent. As this book is an introduction to the area, you may be inspired for further training and reading. There are many excellent resources online, too many to list here, although I would recommend starting with your countries’ primary care provider organisation, respected charities, reputable training companies and higher education institutes for further information.

Study with the textbook using key concepts (these are the headings and sub headings). List the key concepts and attempt to write a few words about each section, and then refer back to the text book.

Content

Laboratory tests: Interpreting Results

A typical blood sciences service

Variables that may affect a result: Analytical

Standards

Quality Control: Within batch, between batch, external

Control Plots

Precision, Accuracy, Bias

Variables that will affect a result: Physiological

Summary

Overview of tests

Summary

The blood cells and liquid component: Full Blood Count (FBCs)

Red Blood Cell Indices

White Blood Cell Indices

Clotting Indices

Summary

Autoimmune and inflammation

Inflammation and CRP

Plasma Viscosity

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

The inflammation trilogy

Autoimmune Diseases

Summery

Liver function test (LFTs) and Enzymes

Enzymes

Bilirubin

Liver Enzymes

Summary

Kidney function tests and electrolytes (U&Es)

Electrolytes

Urea and Creatinine

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

Uric acid and gout

Summary

The bone and calcium (bone profile)

Corrected calcium

Calcium control

Bone diseases

Summery

Summary

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